When the cold winter months arrive and the sun starts to set at 4 p.m., it’s easy to slip into hibernation mode and wait for the weather to bounce back. But what if instead of trying to “tough it out” through winter, we saw the season as an opportunity to slow down and rediscover what truly brings us joy? This winter, try out these 8 hobbies to keep you occupied, aligned, and motivated.
8 Hobbies for The Cold Winter Months
Learn a New Language or Instrument
Winter is a great time for self-discovery, and what better way than to teach yourself a new skill. Whether you want to finally learn piano or prep for your Europe trip this summer, now is the perfect time to expand your knowledge, and you might even find joy in the process.
Make it Happen: Download a free app (like Duolingo or Simply Piano) and commit to 5 minutes of practice each day.
Tackle Your Reading List
This winter we’re swapping out doom scrolling with daily reading. Get cozy with your favorite blanket and that book that’s been on your list forever (I see you, The Song of Achilles), and get reading 🙂
Make it Happen: Head to your bookshelf or your library today and pick one book you’ve been meaning to read. Place it on your nightstand where you’ll remember to read a bit before bed every night.
Update Your Exercise Routine
Start yoga at home, head to a new pilate class, or refresh your dumbbell routine. No matter what you choose, the physical movement will help boost your mood and reduce winter sluggishness.
Make it Happen: Choose one new workout to incorporate into your routine this week—and don’t forget to journal or record how it compares to your typical workouts!
Get Creative
Say hello to no rules and no pressure. Unleash your creative flair with the art that speaks to you without the pressure of perfectionism or the need to share your creations with anyone.
Make it Happen: Choose a few coloring pages, a set of watercolors, or a new painting to try out this week. Here are some of my personal favorites:
Free Crayola Coloring Pages – Watercolor Skies – Bob Ross Painting Tutorials
Try Board Games and Puzzles
There’s no shortage of board game and puzzle options out there, and they are a great way to keep your mind engaged during the cold months. Bonus points if you’ve got friends or family to connect with while you’re at it!
Make it Happen: Schedule a Puzzle Night in your calendar to lock in and play some games and puzzles, with loved ones or as a solitary self-care night.
Test out New Recipes
Instead of seeing cooking as a chore, let’s make cooking into an act of exploration and self-care. Whether you try a new slow cooker recipe or a fresh take on a comfort food, experimenting in the kitchen is a delicious way to bring joy into your daily routine.
Make it Happen: Scroll through Pinterest or your favorite cookbook this week to find one new recipe. Prep the ingredients during your Sunday reset so you have a delicious new meal ready to go during the week.
Upgrade Your Home
While you’re stuck inside, it’s a great time to bring new life into your spaces. Bring in some new houseplants, repaint a room, update decor, or deep clean that scary storage closet to give your home a fresh look.
Make it Happen: Pick one space in your home you’d like to refresh, and focus your interior design energy there over the next few weeks.
Take up Knitting/Crocheting
Look no further for the best form of analog relaxation. Knitting and crocheting are great hobbies that can be customized in any way you’d like, and the meditative rhtyhm of the patterns and the fulfillment of creating something tangible from scratch make it totally worth your while.
Make it Happen: Watch your first tutorial video to get started on your design of choice.
Winter doesn’t have to feel like a season of waiting for spring. By choosing even one of these hobbies, you’re taking an intentional step toward a fulfilling winter season.
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